On 8 June, ICLEI Europe – together with nine other European organisations and associations – published a joint letter, asking European Executive Vice-President Timmermans and European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson for higher ambition with regards to the foreseen revision of the current Renewable Energy Directive (REDII).

Key points brought forward in the letter by ICLEI and its partners on behalf of their members include:

• A renewable energy target that goes beyond the 38-40 percent reduction currently suggested in the 2030 Climate Target Plan;
• Nationally binding targets for all EU Member States;
• A Renewable Energy Directive exclusively promoting Renewable Energy sources;
• Ensuring strong national frameworks with opportunities for citizens and communities to engage in the energy transition.

The letter points out recent research by the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), which suggests that higher renewable energy targets are not only needed, but also a reachable and affordable objective. Partners furthermore highlight the publication of the European Commission’s Fit for 55 Package as an opportunity to showcase political will and commitment to strengthen relevant EU and national legislation, including the Renewable Energy Directive. The REDII revision should therefore not include any references or provisions that incentivise non-renewable energy sources, and must ensure a timely transposition of the Clean Energy Package by Member States, providing clear legislative frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), Citizen Energy Communities (CECs) and Prosumers.

The letter complements ICLEI’s efforts to ensure the revised REDII is supportive of local governments and their extensive efforts to bring about ambitious energy transition in Europe – efforts which include a public consultation process and Position Paper. The Position Paper, published in February, sets ICLEI's key principles and recommendations for European legislators, such as the establishment of effective and mandatory multi-level governance platforms for structured and regular consultation that facilitates vertical and horizontal integration of policies and measures. The full set of recommendations can be accessed here.

The joint letter signed by ICLEI and published by CAN Europe can be read here.